Published on 12, July, 2020
I often refer to myself as an "Autist" and would not be at all concerned if anyone else called me it either (assuming it was done without malice).
For some reason the word really appeals to me - it just fits!
A therapist suggested that saying "an autistic person" would be more inclusive.
Are there offensive connotations to the word "Autist"?
It is my preferred self-referent, or 'Autiste', but that's just me playing with words and imagery. I think that particularism in exact phraseology, and offence when anyone does not use the currently preferred word has become both silly and self-defeating. If someone called me a 'person with autism' it would not offend me in the least.
I try my best not to offend people but even I'm getting tired of getting attacked for using the wrong word for things. Surely if I try my best to use the right word and try not to offend people, it's better than using a racist/ homophobic/ whatever word?
Just ranting, sorry.
I'm with you on this 100%, KikiCat.People will attack you no matter what you say or how you say it. Words will be come and go out of fashion and it's good to remember that it's always someone's personal choice to be offended or not. It's never anything to do with you or the words you use. It's always about them. So, doing your best to try and not offend someone is pointless. It's best to be just who you are and use the words you use. We all have a choice whether to be offended or not by what someone says. And the ones who get offended are merely using is at a lazy reason not to listen to what you're saying. By attacking you for using the wrong words, they can dismiss you and your experiences.
Yes, ignore or mute the people picking holes in what you're saying. They're only trying to start arguments anyway, they don't really care about the subject.
I've actually started saying to trolls 'you're not very good at trolling are you, so why did you reply?'
That sort of thing is why I don't do pc - everyone dancing around trying not to offend anyone.
If people choose or want to be offended, they will find a reason no matter what you do or say - that's the whole game.
The only way to win is not to play.